In Memoriam: Laurel Ann ‘Sissy’ Phillips Austin, Jacksonville-based Austin Bank CLO

Laurel Ann (Sissy) Phillips Austin, chief lending officer, investment officer and member of the board of directors at Jacksonville-based Austin Bank and its parent company, Austin Bancorp Inc., passed away on August 29 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was 83. Austin grew up in Jacksonville, graduated as valedictorian from the Jacksonville High … Read more

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Promotes Droege to Regional President

Dan Droege was recently promoted to executive vice president and regional president at Jacksonville-based Austin Bank. The promotion was announced by Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board. Droege joined the bank in 2017 as a senior vice president and relationship manager in the Longview Oak Forest office and was promoted to Longview market president … Read more

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Hires Escue as New Retail Office Manager

Dianne Escue has joined Jacksonville-based Austin Bank to serve as vice president and retail office manager in the downtown Jacksonville office. She brings 32 years of banking experience to the new position, most in management roles. “With her experience in customer service and leadership, Dianne has the skills that will enable her to foster relationships … Read more

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank’s Beavers Named Senior Vice President

Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, has announced the promotion of Dustin Beavers to senior vice president. The promotion was approved at the bank’s February 2024 board meeting. With more than 18 years of banking and lending experience, Beavers has held management positions in both retail and lending operations. He … Read more

Austin Bank Promotes Atkins and Welcomes Seifert

Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced a promotion and a new hire, both approved at the bank’s November board meeting. Amanda Atkins has been promoted to vice president/retail market manager. She will be responsible for overseeing retail operations in six offices in the bank’s north and rural regions, … Read more

Austin Bank Breaks Ground on Full-Service Banking Center in Montgomery

On October 12, Jacksonville-based Austin Bank broke ground on a new full-service banking center in Montgomery at the corner of Hwy. 105 W and Blue Heron Dr. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, area business leaders, the Austin Bank leadership team and employees, along with the SLI Group Inc. … Read more

Steelman to Lead New Community Engagement Initiative at Austin Bank, French to Direct Marketing Efforts

Jeff Austin III, chairman of the board of Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, recently announced that Patty Steelman has assumed the new position of community engagement officer and Rachel French has been named senior vice president and marketing director. Steelman, executive vice president, joined Austin Bank in 1999 as the bank’s first director of marketing and has … Read more

Jacksonville-based Austin Bank Opens New Branch in The Woodlands

On August 21, Jacksonville-based Austin Bank, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce and the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new full-service banking center in Creekside Park Village in The Woodlands. The ceremony was attended by chamber and business leaders and the Austin Bank leadership team … Read more

Austin Bank Opens New Banking Center in Gilmer

On July 12, Jacksonville-based Austin Bank and the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new full-service banking center in Gilmer, Texas. The event was well attended by members of the Chamber and Gilmer ISD, business leaders, the Austin Bank leadership team and employees, along with associates of … Read more